Explosive device with accelerated biorediation capacity

ABSTRACT

Technology for in situ remediation of undetonated explosive material. An explosive apparatus contains an explosive material in close proximity with a carrier containing microorganisms and with nutrient for the microorganisms. An explosive mixture capable of self remediation includes an explosive material that is intermixed with or lies proximate to the carrier. The microorganisms are either mobile or temporarily deactivated by freeze drying until rehydrated and remobilized. The microorganisms are capable of metabolizing the explosive material. Examples of such microorganisms include  Pseudomonas  spp.,  Escherichia  spp.,  Morganella  spp.,  Rhodococcus  spp.,  Comamonas  spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. If the explosive material fails to detonate, the explosive is remediated by the action of the microorganisms. Remediation includes both disabling of the explosive material and detoxification of the resulting chemical compositions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional application of pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 39,137 that was filed on Dec. 31, 2001(hereinafter “the Parent Application”), and that issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,668,725 on Dec. 30, 2003. The Parent Application is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Serial No. 866,205 that was filedon May 30, 1997 (hereinafter “the Grandparent Application”), and thatissued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,395 on Jan. 1, 2002. The GrandparentApplication is a continuation-in-part application both of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 743,460 that was filed on Oct. 18, 1996(hereinafter “the First Great Grandparent Application”), and that issuedon Oct. 18, 1996, as U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,627, and of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 687,092 that was filed on Jun. 4, 1996 (hereinafter“the Second Great Grandparent Application”), and is now abandoned. TheFirst Great Grandparent Application is a continuation-in-part of boththe Second Great Grandparent Application and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 560,104, that was filed on Jun. 4, 1996, and is now abandoned,which is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 560,074, filed on Nov. 17, 1995, and is now abandoned. The SecondGreat Grandparent Application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 560,102, that was filed on Nov. 17, 1995, and isnow abandoned.

[0002] The present application discloses subject matter related to thatdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,112 that issued on Dec. 9, 2003, fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 660,020 and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,200that issued on Nov. 11, 2003, from U.S. patent application Ser. No.666,073, both of which were filed on Sep. 19, 2000, as divisionalapplications of the First Great Grandparent Application. The presentapplication also discloses subject matter related to that disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,736,815 that issued on Jun. 9, 1998, from U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 658,995 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,669 that issuedon Apr. 7, 1998, from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 658,142, both ofwhich were filed on Jun. 4, 1996, as continuation-in-part applicationsof U.S. application Ser. No. 560,074 that was filed on Nov. 17, 1995,and is now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus, andmethods for remediating explosives. More particularly, the presentinvention is directed to the remediation of explosives which have notdetonated.

[0005] 2. Background Art

[0006] Explosive charges are inherently dangerous in a number ofrespects. Inadvertent detonation poses risks of severe personal injuryor death, as well as of substantial property destruction andconsequential losses. Explosive charges are, in addition, comprised ofmaterial substances, which, even when not consolidated in a shapecapable of performing as a detonatable explosive charge, may be toxicand thus potentially injurious to human health and to complex as well assimple plant and animal life.

[0007] Explosive charges that are not securely stored in a supervisedmanner, or isolated from the environment and from indiscriminate accessby human and animal life forms, thus present both safety andenvironmental hazards.

[0008] Such hazards are pointedly apparent where an explosive chargefails to detonate after the explosive charge has been installed for thatpurpose during activities pertaining to mining, construction, or toseismic surveying. Fortunately, installed explosive charges that do notdetonate as planned are usually locatable and often recoverable throughthe expenditure of reasonable efforts and without safety risks topersonnel. On the other hand, there do routinely arise circumstances inwhich undetonated explosive charges of this type are not recovered orsimply cannot be recovered. In such circumstances, there exists a riskthat the undetonated explosive charge could at some subsequent time bedetonated inadvertently or become a source of potentially harmfulcontaminants.

[0009] As an example, seismic survey data used to ascertain the natureof subsurface ground structures is routinely obtained by recording andanalyzing shock waves that are propagated into the ground and producedby detonating explosive charges. The shock waves are then monitoredduring transmission through the ground. In this role, such seismiccharges are usually utilized in large sets, installed as an array ofindividual seismic charges at widely disbursed locations. The seismiccharges are interconnected with detonation equipment for remotedetonation, either simultaneously or in sequence.

[0010] Seismic charges for such surveys can be detonated either above orbelow the surface of the ground. In either case, it is not uncommon thatat least one of any set of such seismic charges does not detonate asintended. Such failures may be caused by defects in the explosive chargeitself, by damage caused during installation, by faulty detonationequipment, or by the failure of personnel in the field to make effectiveinterconnections between that detonation equipment and each seismiccharge in the installed set.

[0011] When a seismic charge installed above the ground fails todetonate as intended, it is usually possible to locate and safelyrecover the undetonated seismic charge. Nonetheless, circumstances doexist where the detonation of a set of seismic charges installed abovethe ground dislocates one of the undetonated seismic charges in the set,directing that undetonated seismic charge into a terrain in which thecharge cannot be located or cannot be recovered easily. Responsibleseismic crews naturally are trained to exercise all reasonable effortsto recover undetonated seismic charges that are located on the surfaceof the ground, but even the most rigorously indoctrinated andenthusiastic seismic personnel cannot guarantee that all undetonatedseismic charges installed above the ground are ultimately recovered.

[0012] Aside from the human factor involved, the intervention of severeweather conditions, such as sandstorms, blizzards, tornadoes, orhurricanes, can impede efforts to recover undetonated seismicexplosives. Some such weather conditions offer the prospect of evenaltering the terrain, thereby burying the undetonated seismic chargetemporarily or for a substantial duration. Floods can cover the seismicsurvey site, removing or obscuring undetonated seismic charges. In theextreme, geological surface changes, such as mudslides, rockfalls, andfissures caused by earthquakes, by heavy weather, or even by seismicsurvey activity itself, can preclude the recovery of undetonated seismiccharges, and even obscure the understanding that any seismic charge hasfailed to detonate.

[0013] The safety risks and environmental hazards posed by loose,undetonated explosive charges will be present where any undetonatedseismic charge remains unrecovered after the detonation of the set ofseismic charges of which it was a part.

[0014] The likelihood that an undetonated seismic charge will beabandoned is greatest, however, relative to the conduct of seismicsurvey activity based on the detonation of seismic charges installedbelow the surface of the ground. In such sub-surface seismic detonationactivity, a series of deep boreholes is drilled into the earth or rockat predetermined locations that are intended to maximize the data to bederived from the shock waves promulgated from the detonation of theseismic charges. A seismic charge is placed at the bottom of eachborehole and then shut in the borehole in a relatively permanent mannerusing a concrete or a sealing compound, such as bentonite. The balanceof the borehole is then backfilled with loose soil and rock, a processwhich alone accounts for the majority of failed seismic detonations.Backfill materials have an understandable tendency to break thedetonating cord leg wires or non-electric transmission line thatinterconnects the installed seismic charge at the bottom of the boreholewith detonating equipment located above the ground. If a seismic chargeinstalled below the ground fails to detonate, the easy removal of theundetonated seismic charge is seriously impeded by yards of backfill andthe cured concrete or sealing compound in which the seismic charge wasembedded at the bottom of the original borehole. Removing such aninstalled seismic charge by reexcavating the original borehole or bydigging around the original borehole to avoid the sealing compound isextremely laborious and time consuming, potentially unsafe, and in manycircumstances virtually impossible.

[0015] Thus, in conducting seismic survey activities, particularlyseismic survey activities involving the detonation of seismic chargesbelow the surface of the ground, undetonated seismic charges areregularly abandoned in the field. Frequently, even the precise locationof undetonated seismic charges cannot be pinpointed. The risks fromundetonated explosive charges installed in the ground endure for asubstantial time, usually exceeding the durability of ground surfacewarning signs, fencing, or the continued possession and control ofaccess to the site by an original owner. Eventually, the pressure ofhuman population growth may render the site attractive for civil orindustrial activities that would not be consistent with buriedundetonated explosive charges.

[0016] The associated dangers include first that of an accidentaldetonation at some future time. Less dramatic, but certainly of longerduration, are risks presented by the material substance of thoseundetonated charges. Once released from the confines of the casing of anexplosive assembly, the explosive material therein may cease to presentany risk of explosion. This type of release of explosive materials canoccur through corrosion of the casing through the action of groundwater, the fracture of the casing during careless installation, or theshifting of the ground structure at the location at which theundetonated seismic charge was abandoned. In due course, the prolongedeffect of these forces in combination with surface erosion or subsurfacefluid migration can disburse over a large area the material of afractured explosive charge. That material may constitute a potentiallyproblematic contaminant. Even if detected, remedial activities may berequired to contain and possibly eliminate the contaminant.

[0017] Nonetheless, no practical methods exist for reliably remediatingthe risks posed by undetonated explosive charges, particularly wherethose undetonated explosive charges are originally installed below thesurface of the ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] It is thus the broad object of the present invention to protectpublic health and safety from risks arising from incidents of abandonedundetonated explosive charges.

[0019] Accordingly, it is a related object of the present invention toeliminate the possibility of detonation of abandoned explosive charges.

[0020] It is a complementary object of the present invention to reducethe likelihood that abandoned undetonated explosive charges willcontribute to environmental pollution.

[0021] Thus, it is a specific object of the present invention to provideapparatus, systems, and methods for remediating in situ any installedexplosive charge that fails to detonate as intended.

[0022] It is a particular object of the present invention to providesuch apparatus, systems, and methods as are capable of reliably andsafely remediating an undetonated explosive charge abandoned in theground.

[0023] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide suchapparatus, systems, and methods as are capable of remediating anundetonated explosive charge, even if the location of the explosivecharge cannot be ascertained with any degree of certainty.

[0024] These and other objects and features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or will be appreciated by the practice of theinvention.

[0025] To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with theinvention as embodied and broadly described herein, apparatus, systems,mixtures and methods are provided that remediate in situ an undetonatedexplosive utilizing the biological activity of microorganisms.

[0026] In one form, an apparatus incorporating teachings of the presentinvention includes a quantity of explosive material and microorganismsthat is disposed in sufficient proximity to the quantity of theexplosive material that the microorganisms can initiate bioremediationof the explosive material when the microorganisms are mobile. Similarly,an explosive mixture is formed by intermixing the microorganisms and theexplosive material, which, when hydrated, activates the microorganismsto initiate bioremediation of the explosive material. The explosiveapparatus preferably has a shell that enables water to flow through theshell to contact the explosive material. The shell may, for example,have an open end, have holes or be water permeable.

[0027] The apparatus or mixture may also further comprise a mobilizationmeans for mobilizing the microorganism to contact the explosivematerial. The mobilization means enables the microorganisms to initiatebioremediation of the explosive material or to continue bioremediatingthe explosive material. The terms “mobile” and “mobility” refer to theability of the microorganisms to move, to be activated or made “active,”to be carried by the movement of a liquid, to be distributed to theexplosive material or to be unrestricted in movement by a barrier thatpreviously confined the microorganisms such that after the barrier isremoved, the microorganisms can contact the explosive material. The term“active” refers to the state of the microorganisms wherein themicroorganisms can bioremediate explosives.

[0028] An example of a mobilization means that is useful with anexplosive apparatus or an explosive mixture includes a water-permeablecontainer that enables water to contact the explosive material andmicroorganisms therein, and the addition of a porous material, such asfoamed cellulose and/or starch, to the cast explosive to permit passageof moisture therethrough.

[0029] The microorganisms can be mobile or deactivated. Examples ofdeactivated microorganisms that typically require activation includemicroorganisms that have been dehydrated by air drying or throughlyophilization. The microorganisms are preferably freeze dried toincrease the survivability of the microorganisms during the formingprocess wherein the explosive material and microorganisms are combined.More specifically, it is desirable to heat the explosive material toincrease the moldability of the explosive material and to enable themicroorganisms and explosive material to be easily intermixed. However,the heat can be lethal to the microorganisms as the microorganisms areplaced or mixed in the explosive material. Accordingly, themicroorganisms have preferably been prepared such that themicroorganisms are sufficiently resistant to heat that a significantportion of the microorganisms survive the intermixing or placementprocess even when the process occurs at a temperature of about 100° C.Alternatively, the microorganisms can be incorporated within or on thesurface of a foam material that acts as an insulator which protectmicrobes and nutrients from thermal damage.

[0030] The microorganisms can be disposed in close proximity to theexplosive material or dispersed within the explosive material in manydifferent forms. The microorganisms can be in various aggregations suchas in chips, in or on foamed materials, and in or on porous materials.The aggregations can also be added without any processing of themicroorganisms to form the microorganisms into a particular distinctform. Accordingly, the microorganisms can be present as a flake,granule, clump, powder or shard of a nutrient medium containingmicroorganisms. In a preferred embodiment, the microorganisms can becontained within one or more chips. More particularly, each chip canadditionally include cellulose therein, the cellulose expanding uponcontact with moisture to cause cracking of the chip and the castexplosive matrix, which contributes to the mobility of microorganisms.

[0031] Nutrients, in addition to the explosive material, are generallynecessary for the microorganisms to survive and grow. A nutrient is anysubstance that provides nourishment to the microorganism, such as amixture of trace nutrients or elements, and/or any substance providing asource of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate. In a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, dispersal of casamino acids provides nourishment to themicroorganisms and accelerates microorganism growth subsequent to afailed detonation. Binders are also often necessary and organic bindersare preferred. Depending on the binder or nutrient utilized, onechemical can perform the function of both binder and nutrient. Thethermal resistance of the microorganisms can also be increased byutilizing various thermal protection additives.

[0032] Ideally, the remediation occurs in two respects. The explosive isdisabled from inadvertent detonation. Subsequently, the materialcomposition of the explosive material is rendered relatively nonharmful.

[0033] In another embodiment of the invention, microorganisms arereleasably contained by gelatin, a substance that is self-effacing whencontacted by microorganisms under favorable conditions.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, microorganisms are applied directly tothe exterior of the explosive material or to the shell of an explosiveapparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] While the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as thepresent invention, the advantages of this invention can be more readilyascertained from the following description of the invention when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a first embodimentof an explosive apparatus comprising a pellet of microorganismsintermixed in the explosive material;

[0037]FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a secondembodiment of an explosive apparatus which comprises an encapsulatedpellet;

[0038]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a thirdembodiment of an explosive apparatus which comprises an encapsulatedsuspension of microorganisms;

[0039]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a fourthembodiment of an explosive apparatus which comprises shards of moistnutrient wafers containing microorganisms;

[0040]FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a fifthembodiment of an explosive apparatus comprising microorganism chipsintermixed in the explosive material;

[0041]FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a sixthembodiment of an explosive apparatus comprising microorganism chipshaving cellulose therein intermixed in the explosive material;

[0042]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view like that of FIG. 6illustrating the explosive apparatus at a time subsequent to theexpansion of cellulose and resulting cracking of the chips and thematrix of the cast explosive when water contacts the cellulose;

[0043]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a seventhembodiment of an explosive apparatus comprising a carrier of foamedcellulose and/or starch, having a microorganism consortium therein orthereon, intermixed in the explosive material;

[0044]FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of an eighthembodiment of the invention wherein the carrier of foamed celluloseand/or starch of FIG. 8 is disposed as a strip running the length of theexplosive charge within the explosive matrix;

[0045]FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a ninthembodiment of the invention wherein the carrier of foamed celluloseand/or starch of FIG. 8 is disposed as a strip in the area surroundingthe capwells of the explosive apparatus;

[0046]FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a tenthembodiment of an explosive apparatus which comprises a powder ofmicroorganisms dispersed on top of the explosive material;

[0047]FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of an eleventhembodiment of an explosive apparatus which depicts a chamber in theexplosive material containing a suspension of microorganisms; and

[0048]FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a twelfthembodiment of an explosive apparatus which comprises clumps ofmicroorganisms within the shell of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The present invention pertains to systems, apparatus, and methodsfor the in situ remediating of undetonated explosive charges. Themethodology employs at least one type of microorganism that is capableof digesting an explosive material.

[0050] According to the teachings of the present invention, an explosivecharge to be installed, for example by being buried in the ground, is sohoused in a casing with the microorganisms. If the explosive chargefails to detonate, the explosive charge can then reliably be leftundisturbed, and the microorganisms will digest or degrade the explosivematerial involved. Preferably, the explosive will be thereby bothdisabled from detonation and detoxified.

[0051] The terms “remediate” and “remediation” are used in thespecification and the appended claims to refer generally to theconversion or transformation of an explosive material which isdetonatable by shock or heat into a different chemical material which isless explosive or nonexplosive. The terms “bioremediate” and“bioremediation” are used to refer to remediation effected by the actionof microorganisms. The present invention is thus one intended tobioremediate explosive materials.

[0052] The present invention has demonstrated an immediate utilityrelative to highly explosive materials, such as trinitrotoluene (TNT),pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), cyclotrimethylene trinitramine(RDX), and cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX). These are typicallyutilized in seismic charges.

[0053] The term “bioremediable explosive” is used in the specificationand the appended claims to refer to any explosive material which can beconverted into a less explosive or nonexplosive material by the actionof microorganisms, whether or not such microorganisms are explicitlydisclosed herein. The highly explosive materials listed above are thusbioremediable explosives, since it has been demonstrated that at leastthe examples of microorganisms disclosed herein are capable ofconverting those high energy explosive materials into less explosive ornonexplosive materials.

[0054] Currently, on the basis exclusively of the examples ofmicroorganisms disclosed herein, known bioremediative explosives includeat least explosives which are classified as organic nitroaromatics,inorganic nitrates, organic nitramines, or organic nitric esters.Examples of organic nitroaromatics include TNT, hexanitrostilbene (HNS),hexanitroazobenzene (NAB), diaminotrinitrobenzene (DATB), andtriaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB). Examples of organic nitramines includeRDX, HMX, nitroguanidine (NQ), and 2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine(tetryl). Examples of organic nitric esters include PETN,nitroglycerine, and ethylene glycol dinitrate. A suitable inorganicnitrate includes ammonium nitrate.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, highly explosivematerials, such as TNT and PETN, are converted through the action ofmicroorganisms into less explosive materials. These intermediatechemicals can then be fully transformed into materials such as biomassand chemicals such as CO₂ and N₂. Optimally, the highly explosivematerials are reduced according to the teachings of the presentinvention, first into less explosive intermediate chemicals ornonexplosive products. These intermediate chemicals can then be furthertransformed as needed into constituents which are either less explosiveor less harmful as contaminants in the environment to the health ofhumans, animals or plants than the intermediate chemicals may be. Thefinal product resulting from the metabolizing action of themicroorganisms will thus include any number of combinations of elementsthat originated in the explosive material as constituted before theinitiation of the bioremediation process.

[0056] The microorganisms comprise at least a first type ofmicroorganism that disables or deactivates the explosive material bydegrading the explosive material into less explosive materials ornonexplosive materials. The microorganisms may also further comprise asecond type of microorganism that further bioremediates any intermediatechemicals resulting from the bioremediation action of the first type ofmicroorganism to fully bioremediate the explosive material intononexplosive materials.

[0057] Although any type of microorganism capable of convertingexplosive material into less harmful chemicals is considered to bewithin the scope of the present invention, examples of microorganismsthat have been demonstrated to exhibit that capacity include the groupconsisting of Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp.,Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. It iswithin the scope of the present invention to use any combination ofthese particular microorganisms, or of any other microorganisms that aredetermined to be capable of bioremediating explosive materials. SuitablePseudomonas spp. microorganisms include microorganisms in the groupconsisting of aeruginosa, fluorescens, acidovorans, mendocina, cepacia,and an unidentified type.

[0058] The present invention thus utilizes any of numerous differentselections of microorganisms capable of degrading explosive materials inany of various relative quantities. Each of these various selections ofmicroorganisms will for convenience hereinafter and in the appendedclaims be referred to as a “microorganism consortium.” In such amicroorganism consortium, one type of microorganism can advantageouslyreduce the explosive material to a particular intermediate chemical,such as azoaromatics, while that type or another type of microorganismmay then further reduce the azoaromatics or other intermediate chemicalsto carbon chains, CH₄, NH₃, and N₂. In one presently preferredembodiment, such a microorganism consortium utilizes all or some ofvarious microorganisms belonging to Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp.,Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifyingmicroorganisms.

[0059] The bioremediation rate is an important variable in designing asystem that is impacted by many factors. One factor that is closelyrelated to the bioremediation rate of explosive materials by themicroorganisms is the growth rate of the microorganisms. The growth rateof some species of microorganisms disclosed herein are logarithmic whileothers are only linear. Accordingly, the growth rate of the consortiumdepends on the type of microorganisms utilized. Additionally, the growthrate of the consortium of microorganisms depends on other factors, suchas the availability of nutrients. The growth rate of the consortium ofmicroorganisms can, however, be generally characterized as logarithmic.

[0060] A consortium of microorganisms within the scope of the presentinvention was deposited on May 23, 1996, with the American Type CultureCollection (hereinafter “ATCC”) in accordance with the provisions of theBudapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the DepositMicroorganisms for the Purpose of Patent Procedure. The ATCC is locatedat 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209 U.S.A. Thedeposited consortium of microorganisms was assigned ATCC Designation No.55784. For purposes of this disclosure, the microorganism consortiumdeposited with the ATCC and designated ATCC Designation No. 55784 ishereby incorporated by reference.

[0061] The microorganism consortium deposited with the ATCC was obtainedfrom Richards Industrial Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. (hereinafter“RIML”) located at 55 East Center, Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062 U.S.A. Themicroorganism consortium is identified at RIML by Product No. RL-247.Accordingly, microorganisms sold as RL-247 by RIML under the tradenameRL-247 and assigned ATCC Designation No. 55784 are considered to bewithin the scope of the invention disclosed herein, whether or notconstituent microorganisms therein are explicitly identified to anydegree herein.

[0062] The microorganisms of the microorganism consortium are chosen forhaving a demonstrated ability to metabolize and degrade explosivematerials in any way that contributes to the disabling of the explosivematerial or to the detoxification of the chemical components thereof. Ifmicroorganisms are selected that are both aerobic and anaerobic,bioremediation will occur in shallow and exposed surface locations, aswell as in deep explosive boreholes. Ideally, the microorganismsselected for the microorganism consortium should be nonpathogenic andsurfactant-producing, as this enhances the digestive action of themicroorganism colony.

[0063] In one embodiment of a microorganism consortium chosen accordingto the teachings of the present invention, the Pseudomonas spp. areselected from the group consisting of aeruginosa, flourescens,acidovorans, mendocina, and cepacia. Any microorganisms of Pseudomonasspp. other than the microorganisms identified above are considered to bewithin the scope of the invention disclosed herein, provided that suchmicroorganisms perform any of the functions described above havingutility in the remediating of an explosive charge. Correspondingly, anymicroorganism is considered to be within the scope of the inventiondisclosed herein, provided the microorganism exhibits any utilityrelative to the bioremediating of explosive materials.

[0064] Thus, the disclosure and incorporation herein of themicroorganism consortium assigned ATCC Designation No. 55784, or thedisclosure of the microorganism consortium available from RIML under thetradename RL-247, are but examples of microorganism consortiums withinthe teachings of the present invention and are not limiting of themicroorganisms that may be selected for inclusion in a microorganismconsortium according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0065] Various embodiments of explosives are set forth hereinbelow whichare configured to enable microorganisms to bioremediate a quantity ofexplosive material. The microorganisms are intermixed with or aredisposed in sufficient proximity to the explosive material to allow themicroorganisms to initiate bioremediation of the explosive material whenthe microorganisms are mobilized or activated (i.e., hydrated).

[0066] The shelf lives of the explosive material and the microorganismsare increased by delaying the bioremediation activity of themicroorganisms at least until the explosive is ready to be utilized.Accordingly, the preferred embodiments involve the use of microorganismsthat are temporarily immobilized or that have been inactivated until theexplosive is to be positioned or has been positioned in the ground.Configurations can also be utilized wherein the microorganisms areinitially mobile or active when positioned relative to the explosivematerial, thereby enabling the microorganisms to immediately initiatebioremediation.

[0067] The system of the current invention forms a system for in situbioremediating of an explosive material. The failure of installedexplosives to detonate is primarily caused by the forces experiencedduring positioning of the system in the bottom of a borehole. The systemis typically lowered into or driven down a borehole with a tamping pole.In the process, wires 26 are often broken or disconnected fromdetonators 24, so that detonation cannot occur. When this happens, thedigestion of explosive material 30 by microorganisms (in the variousillustrated forms depicted hereinafter, e.g., as pellets 32, capsules40, shards 48, chips 60, or a foam material 66) will proceed in duecourse. Eventually, the explosive material 30 will be reduced tononexplosive and non-harmful materials that are neither detonatable byany activities in the vicinity, nor are an environmental contaminant.Over time, by exposing an undetonated charge to the microorganisms, theentirety of the explosive material of the charge is reduced to asubstance that cannot be detonated.

[0068] The time period required for the microorganisms to first disablean explosive, and then to fully remediate a given quantity ofintermediate chemical materials, depends on the amount and type ofexplosive material used, as well as the composition of microorganismconsortium used therewith. Depending on design and relativeconcentrations of the explosive, the time required can be days, weeks,months, or years.

[0069]FIGS. 1-13 depict embodiments of the present invention whereinmicroorganisms are intermixed in the explosive or are disposed againstan exterior surface of the explosive material. The microorganismsdepicted in FIGS. 1-13 are disposed in sufficient proximity to saidquantity of explosive material that the microorganisms can initiatebioremediation of the explosive material when the microorganisms aremobile or activated.

[0070] The microorganisms intermixed in the explosive material aregenerally in aggregations or clusters such as pellets as shown in FIG.1, capsules as shown in FIGS. 2-3, or shards as shown in FIG. 4. Theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 5-10 provide examples of microorganismscarried within or on the surface of various carriers, such as chips asshown in FIGS. 5-7, or a foam material as shown in FIGS. 8-10. Theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 11-13 provide examples of microorganismsdisposed against an exterior surface of the explosive material. FIG. 11shows a powder of microorganisms dispersed on the top surface of theexplosive material. FIG. 12 depicts microorganisms poured into a columnwithin the explosive material. FIG. 13 depicts a cluster ofmicroorganisms positioned within the shell that contains themicroorganisms. In addition to the clusters, aggregations, or carriersdisclosed in FIGS. 1-13, the microorganisms can be positioned in anyform even as individual microorganisms.

[0071]FIG. 1 illustrates an explosive apparatus 16 configured with anoptional cap 18 and access openings 20 for wires 26. Explosive apparatus16 has a capwell 28 with detonators 24. Explosive apparatus 16 furthercomprises a shell 22 containing an explosive material 30 and pellets 32of microorganisms dispersed throughout explosive material 30. Shell 22preferably enables water to flow through shell 22 to contact theexplosive material 30 or at least into contact with the microorganismsin pellets 32 at the exterior surfaces of explosive material 30. Shell22 may, for example, have an open end wherein water can flow, have holesor be water permeable to enable water to enter into the pores ofexplosive material 30.

[0072] Pellets 32 are dispersed as needed. For example, pellets 32 canbe randomly dispersed, as shown, or concentrated as needed to deactivatethe explosive charge. Pellets 32 are preferably positioned to facilitatedesensitization of the explosive apparatus by being concentrated withinexplosive material 30 around detonators 24.

[0073] Pellets 32 can be positioned within explosive material 30 by anymethod and in any desired concentration. Control of the concentrationand dispersion of pellets 32 in the explosive material 30 is maximizedby adding pellets 32 to explosive material 30 when explosive material 30is in a liquid state. Explosive material 30 is in a liquid state whenbeing formed into a desired configuration by pouring the explosivematerial into a mold or directly into shell 22. The forming temperatureof the explosive material is around 100° C., which is generally lethalto the microorganisms. Accordingly, the exposure time of microorganismsin pellets 32 to lethal temperatures is preferably minimized by addingpellets 32 to explosive material 30 while explosive material 30 is beingformed or cast into a desired shape. Pellets 32 can also be pressed intoexplosive material 30 when explosive material 30 is solid or semi-solidat the time that the charge is manufactured.

[0074] The microorganisms or pellets 32 containing the microorganismsare preferably heat resistant to increase the survivability of themicroorganisms when added to explosive material 30. There are severalmethods, which can be utilized alone or in combination, for obtainingheat resistant microorganisms or pellets.

[0075] One method for obtaining heat resistant microorganisms involveslyophilizing the microorganisms before the microorganisms are added tothe hot explosive material. The microorganisms can be dehydrated byallowing the water to evaporate or preferably by freeze drying themicroorganisms. Freeze drying the microorganisms dramatically reducesthe mortality of the microorganisms due to thermal stress from exposureto the molten explosive material during the pouring process. It isspeculated that freeze dried microorganisms are less susceptible to thelethal temperature effects than microorganisms in a moist environmentbecause the water content in the moist microorganisms provides betterheat transfer to the vital and temperature sensitive internalstructures. The water removed from the freeze dried microorganisms isreplaced at a later time in sufficient quantity to activate and mobilizethe microorganisms.

[0076] The survivability of the microorganisms to thermal stress is alsoincreased by increasing the thickness of the pellets 32. Increasing thethickness of pellets 32 decreases the rate of heat transfer to theinterior of pellets 32, thereby protecting the microorganisms in theinterior to the extent that the residence time of the microorganisms inthe hot melt is not excessive. When the exterior microorganisms aredestroyed, they act as a thermal insulator for the microorganisms withinthe interior. Suitable pellets generally have an average diameter ofabout 3 mm.

[0077] Another method for reducing the mortality of microorganisms dueto thermal stress is achieved by adding the microorganisms and explosivematerial into a mold in thin layers. By adding the microorganisms andexplosive material incrementally in thin layers, the layers can quicklycool, thereby minimizing the exposure time of the microorganisms to thehot melt.

[0078] The heat resistance can also be increased by slowly raising thegrowth temperature of the microorganisms. By slowly raising thetemperature of the environment of the microorganisms over a period oftime during their growth, the high temperature tolerance of themicroorganisms is significantly increased. Microorganisms can beutilized which have been adaptively developed or which have also beengenetically developed. The microorganisms are preferably developed tohave a very high survivability rate even when exposed to temperatures ashigh as about 100° C. Even microorganisms which have not been adequatelydeveloped to survive exposure to temperatures as high as about 100° C.are very useful since the temperature decreases as it is transferredinto the pellet, yielding a greater interior portion that survivecompared to a pellet utilizing unconditioned microorganisms.Accordingly, all microorganisms that have been developed for hightemperature tolerance are useful and yield a higher survivability rate.

[0079] Additionally, pellets 32 can also be formed from mixtures ofmicroorganisms and thermal protection additives that increase the heatresistance of the microorganisms. Examples of additives which have beenfound to increase the survivability of microorganisms when thermallystressed include dry milk and bentonite clay. These viability enhancersalso can be used as binders as they tend to bind the constituents in thepellet together and can also be a nutrient source for themicroorganisms. Insulative aggregates with no binding capability or thatare not nutrient sources can also be used to thermally protect themicroorganisms.

[0080] The pellets can be formed by compressing the microorganismstogether along with any other constituent materials such as nutrients,binders and insulative materials. As previously set forth, the samecomponent can act as a nutrient, binder or an insulative material.Nutrients are generally necessary even when the microorganisms arelyophilized since they provide the microorganisms with all of thematerials needed for the microorganisms to fully grow and multiply. Theexplosives generally provide carbon and nitrogen while the nutrientsgenerally provide phosphate and other chemicals, including carbon andnitrogen. Any suitable nutrient can be utilized; however, depending onthe type of nutrient, utilized and the availability of the nutrient thegrowth rate can be influenced. In addition to the nutrients previouslydiscussed, such as starch, flour, bran, and milk, other suitablenutrients include milk sugar and minimal medium glycerol. A preferrednutrient includes a mixture of amino acids derived by the hydrolysis ofcasein, which are commonly referred to as “casamino acids.” Many ofthese nutrients can also act as stabilizers, such as starch, flour,bran, milk, and glycerol in addition to phosphate buffered saline.

[0081] It is not always necessary to add a component that acts only as abinder since many nutrients can be utilized as a binder which are thenconverted into nutrients when contacted by a sufficient quantity ofwater to solubilize the binder. In addition to the binders previouslymentioned, any suitable binder can be utilized. The binder is preferablyan inorganic binder. A product sold as Diatab is a particularly usefulbinder or tablet base. Other materials that can be utilized as a binderinclude acrylamide, alginic acid or alginate, ethylcellulose, guar gumand gelatin.

[0082] Pellets 32 can also be encapsulated in a capsule 40 as shown inFIG. 2. For purposes of simplicity, structures and elements shared incommon between the device of FIG. 1 and the remaining embodiments of thepresent invention, discussed hereinafter, will be numbered identically.The microorganisms in capsule 40 can be freeze dried, then formed into apellet and encapsulated or the capsule can be formed by encapsulatingmoist microorganisms or a suspension of microorganisms by pouring thesuspension into a capsule and then drying or freeze drying the capsule.Any suitable materials for forming capsule 40 can be utilized. Examplesof suitable materials include gelatin, starch, alginate and acrylamide.

[0083] While it is preferred to form the explosive by placing pellets ofdehydrated microorganisms into molten explosive material since themolten explosive material is easily and relatively quickly molded into adesired shape, it can decrease the viability of the microorganisms.Accordingly, it is also desirable to form pellets 32 from moistmicroorganisms. Depending on the amount of liquid present, it may benecessary to introduce the microorganisms into explosive material 30 asa suspension of microorganisms as shown at 42 in FIG. 3 that iscontained in a capsule 40.

[0084] Microorganisms which are merely moist can also be encapsulated orcan be introduced as shards 48 of a moist nutrient wafer containingmicroorganisms as shown in FIG. 4. Shards 48, which are fragments orflakes, can also be a nutrient wafer containing lyophilizedmicroorganisms.

[0085] The microorganisms intermixed in the explosive material can alsobe incorporated on any surface of or within a carrier material disposedwithin the explosive material. The term “carrier” is used generally inthe specification to refer to a medium or material, including anysurface thereof, within which microorganisms can be deposited or uponwhich microorganisms can be disposed. The carrier can be formed of anysuitable material and can be shaped in a variety of patterns, as furtherdepicted hereinafter, by way of example, in FIGS. 5-10.

[0086] As previously described in conjunction with the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the carrier containing the microorganism can be randomlydispersed or concentrated as needed to deactivate the explosive charge.Likewise, the carrier can be positioned within explosive material 30 byany method and in any desired concentration. Heat resistance of themicroorganisms can be accomplished or improved through a variety oftechniques. For example, heat resistant microorganisms can be obtainedby lyophilizing, dehydrating, or freeze drying the microorganisms priorto addition of the same to the hot explosive material. The survivabilityof the microorganisms to thermal stress can also be raised by increasingthe thickness of the carrier, by forming the carrier of heat-resistantor insulative materials, and by including thermally-protective orinsulative additives to the carrier. The carrier can also include otherconstituent materials such as nutrients, binders, and explosivematerials. Formation of the explosive can be accomplished according tothe various methods previously described in conjunction with FIG. 1.

[0087]FIG. 5 illustrates an explosive apparatus 16 including a carrierin the form of chips 60 containing microorganisms. Chips 60 aredispersed, as needed, within the explosive material 30 to deactivate theexplosive charge. For example, the chips 60 can be randomly dispersedthroughout the explosive material 30 matrix, as shown. Alternatively,the chips 60 can be selectively concentrated within the explosivematerial 30 around the detonators 24 to facilitate desensitization ofthe explosive apparatus at the initial point of discharge.

[0088] Various of the previously-described nutrients can also beintermixed with the explosive material 30 for the purpose ofsupplementally nourishing the microorganisms and accelerating initialmicroorganism growth subsequent to a failed detonation. The nutrientsare preferably dispersed throughout the matrix of the explosive material30 prior to casting the molten explosive about the chips 60 containingthe microorganisms. The addition of nutrients to the explosive material30 creates a fertile environment for microorganism growth uponactivation or mobilization of the microorganisms.

[0089] A nutrient is any substance that provides nourishment to themicroorganisms, such as a mixture of trace nutrients or elements, and/orany substance providing a source of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate. Apreferred nutrient includes a mixture of casamino acids. It has beendiscovered that the addition of the casamino acids mixture to theexplosive material 30 significantly improves the performance of themicroorganisms both in terms of the rate of explosive degradation and interms of the completeness of the degradation process.

[0090] The chips 60 can additionally include cellulose 62, as shown inFIG. 6. The cellulose 62 contained within the chips 60 swells in sizewhen contacted by water. This swelling of the cellulose 62 mechanicallyexpands the chips 60 and promotes cracking (illustrated as cracks 64) inthe matrix of the cast explosive material 30 when the chips 60 arecontacted by moisture, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The cracking of thechips 60 and the matrix of the explosive material 30 aids mobilizationand travel of the microorganisms throughout the shell 22 containing theexplosive charge. Cellulose 62 can be incorporated into the chips 60 byany suitable means and in any suitable form, such as by forming ahomogenous mixture of cellulose 62 within the chips 60 or byincorporating cellulose 62 particles within the chips 60, as shown inFIG. 6.

[0091]FIGS. 8-10 depict several embodiments of the invention wherein thecarrier is formed of a foam material. Suitable foam materials for use inthe present embodiment include any material having a lightweightcellular form resulting from introduction of gas bubbles duringmanufacture. Preferably, the foam material used in the instantembodiment is any commercially-available foam material used forpackaging applications that is made of starch and cellulose. The foammaterial may be formed into any suitable and conceivable shape, such asthe “peanut” shape 66 shown in FIG. 8, or a strip 68 placed along thelength of the explosive apparatus 16, as shown in FIG. 9, or inproximity to the capwells 28 of the explosive apparatus 16, as shown inFIG. 10.

[0092] The microorganisms can be incorporated into the foam material oronto the surface of the foam material. The microorganisms being added tothe foam material can be in any suitable state, such as a lyophilized oractive state. As previously described with reference to otherembodiments, nutrient can be also added to the foam material.Additionally, the foam material can be compounded to include explosivematerials therein.

[0093] The use of a foam material provides a number of advantages. Dueto the inherent insulative properties of foam materials, the use of foamas a carrier provides protection of microorganisms and nutrients fromthermal damage. The use of foam materials specifically reduces themortality of microorganisms and decomposition of the nutrients when themicroorganisms and nutrients are added to high-temperature explosivematerials during the aforementioned formation process.

[0094] Use of the foam material also provides advantages in theproduction process, such as the ability to add nutrient andmicroorganisms simultaneously prior to incorporation of the foammaterial into or proximate the explosive material 30. Through the use ofa foam material, the quantity of microorganisms and/or nutrient can bemore accurately controlled.

[0095] The foam material, being an absorbent material, facilitatestransport of water throughout the explosive material 30 by acting as awater wick. The water absorption rate of the foam material can becontrolled by modification of the density or composition of the foammaterial. Thus, the foam material can be used to transportmicroorganisms and/or nutrients contained therein to specific areas orthroughout the explosive material 30, depending on the placement of thefoam material.

[0096] The use of a foam material facilitates the highly accurateplacement of the microorganisms and/or nutrient in the explosive charge.Such accurate placement can enhance activity of the microorganisms. Forexample, the foam material can be in the form of peanuts or beads 66intermixed within the explosive material 30, as shown in FIG. 8. Due tothe absorbent nature of foam materials, this configuration enhancesmobility and activation of the microorganisms and/or nutrients, andfurther facilitates transport of water throughout the explosive material30 matrix to promote the bioremediation process.

[0097] Alternatively, the foam material can be formed as strip 68 and bepositioned to run the length of the charge through the explosivematerial 30 matrix, as shown in FIG. 9. As previously suggested, thefoam strip 68 can include, in addition to microorganisms and/ornutrients, an explosive material 70. The explosive material 70 can bethe same or different than the explosive material 30 used as the primaryexplosive charge. Because the foam strip 68 is not surrounded by theexplosive material 30 on all surfaces, the foam strip 68 can be directlycontacted by water. Thus, this particular embodiment advantageously doesnot rely primarily on the porosity of explosive material 30 formobilization of the microorganisms.

[0098] As more fully detailed hereinafter, means for mobilizing themicroorganisms to contact explosive material 30 is dependent on theability of the microorganisms to be contacted by water, which, in turn,depends on the porosity of the explosive material 30. Thus, the improvedwater contact afforded in the present embodiment enables themicroorganisms to move within explosive material 30 and continuebioremediating the explosive material 30. The improved porosity alsoenables water to enter into the pores and come into contact withinactive microorganisms and activate the microorganisms.

[0099] The foam strip 68 can also be positioned as strips 68 surroundingthe capwells 28 of the explosive apparatus 16, as shown in FIG. 10. Thisparticular placement of the foam strip 68 permits the digestive activityof microorganisms to disarm explosive material 30 by first attacking thearea around the capwell 28 end of the explosive apparatus. This is wheredetonation is actually initiated. There is, however, no overalldetrimental effect on the ability of an explosive charge to be detonatedimmediately after being initially contacted by bioremediatingmicroorganisms. The initial activity of the microorganisms in thevicinity of the capwell can advantageously prevent accidental detonationof the explosive charge which can be caused, for example, by digging inthe area of the explosive charge after the explosive charge ispositioned in a borehole.

[0100] Additionally, when the foam strip 68 is contacted by sufficientquantities of water, the water saturates and/or dissolves the foam todisplace the explosive contained therein or in the surrounding areas.This is of particular value if the foam strip 68 is formed around thecapwell 28, resulting in rapid disarming of the charge.

[0101] Clusters or aggregations of moist microorganisms inconfigurations such as pellets, capsules, shards, flakes, chips, foammaterials and the like are preferably blended into explosive material 30and then pressed into a mold. Moist microorganism clusters can also bepressed into explosive material 30. When the microorganisms are in amoist state but are blocked from contact with the explosive material orare not sufficiently mobile, nutrients provide a minimal food sourceuntil the microorganisms can metabolize the explosive material. Afterthe mixture is shaped into an explosive charge and the microorganismsare sufficiently moist, it will bioremediate automatically within apredetermined time following manufacture.

[0102] An explosive apparatus is often left underground for periods oftime up to six months and even up to a year. Accordingly, an explosiveapparatus is preferably explodable for up to about six months and morepreferably for up to about a year.

[0103] As previously set forth, the microorganisms can be concentratedaround detonators 24 to desensitize the explosive since detonators 24are typically more sensitive to impact and friction than explosivematerial 30. The time required to desensitize explosive apparatus 16 bydisabling explosive material 30 around detonators 24 is dependent onmany variables in addition to the distribution of the microorganisms,the growth rate of the types of microorganisms utilized, the ratio ofmicroorganisms to explosives, the availability of particular nutrients,the types of microorganisms and explosives utilized and other physicalconditions such as pH, water availability and temperature. These samevariables generally determine the time required to reduce explosivematerial 30 to a residual or negligible amount and the time required toentirely reduce explosive material 30 to a nonhazardous and preferablynonharmful material. Some of these additional variables include theamount of surface area exposed to the microorganisms, the mobility ofthe microorganisms, and the porosity of the explosive materials.Accordingly, the bioremediation rate can be designed as needed.

[0104] The porosity of the explosive materials is an example of amobilization means for mobilizing the microorganisms to contactexplosive material 30. The porosity of the explosive material 30 enablesthe mobilized microorganisms to move within explosive material 30 andcontinue bioremediating explosive material 30. The porosity also enableswater to enter into the pores and come into contact with themicroorganisms and mobilize the microorganisms. A surfactant inexplosive material 30 is another example of a mobilization means.Surfactants facilitate wetting of the crystals in explosive material 30,which enhances the mobility of the microorganisms and the accessibilityof the crystals to the microorganisms.

[0105] Explosive apparatus 16 can be immersed in water before beingplaced in a borehole to allow water to pass through shell 22 and enterinto the pores to mobilize the microorganisms or clusters thereofintermixed in explosive material 30. Explosive apparatus 16 can also beexposed to a vacuum before being dipped in water. It is generally notnecessary to immerse explosive apparatus 16 in water as groundwater isalmost always present in the borehole. Water can also be poured into theborehole as needed. Water around or in contact with explosive apparatus16 is a representative example of mobilization means for mobilizing themicroorganisms. Additionally, the explosive apparatus 16 can be coupledto a reservoir means or apparatus which releasably contains a liquid,such as water, for mixing into or around the explosive apparatus 16.

[0106] Since groundwater is almost always in a borehole, it is generallydesirable to design the explosive apparatus to utilize the groundwater.Accordingly, the porosity is preferably conducive to optimal capillaryaction through a network of microchannels. The network of microchannelsor pores is sufficiently interconnected to provide optimal accessibilityto the microorganisms by water and to provide optimal mobility to themobilized microorganisms. The porosity is also designed to provideoptimal surface area for the microorganisms to bioremediate. Theporosity is balanced against the amount of explosive material that ispreferably present and any necessary amount of mechanical strength forwithstanding crushing and other forces experienced while beingpositioned in the borehole. The porosity can also be heterogenousthroughout explosive material 30 such that the area around detonators 24is more porous compared to other sections to expose more surface area.

[0107] The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-8 are dependent primarily onthe porosity of explosive material 30 to provide access to themicroorganisms and to provide mobilization pathways for the mobilizedmicroorganisms. FIGS. 9 and 10, described above, and FIGS. 11-13 depictembodiments of the present invention that do not rely primarily on theporosity of explosive material 30.

[0108]FIG. 11 depicts microorganisms deposited as granules 50 on top ofexplosive material 30. Accordingly, as water passes through shell 22,the initial bioremediation activity of all of the microorganisms isconcentrated at the portion of explosive material around detonators 24.

[0109]FIG. 12 depicts a chamber 52 centrally and longitudinally locatedwithin explosive material 30 that contains a suspension 54 ofmicroorganisms. Microorganisms can also be positioned in chamber 52which are merely moist or have been lyophilized. This configurationenables the mobilized microorganisms to bioremediate explosive material30 from within a particular location in explosive material 30. Theposition of chamber 52 provides for controlled bioremediation ofexplosive material 30 around detonators 24.

[0110]FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment wherein shell 22 containsclumps 56 of microorganisms. Shell 22 is preferably formed from amaterial that is not only water permeable but also sufficiently watersoluble to release the microorganisms contained in the shell. Examplesof suitable materials include but are not limited to paper and polyvinylalcohol. The microorganisms can then bioremediate explosive material 30by beginning at the exterior of explosive material 30.

[0111] Yet another method of bioremediating explosives involvesinstalling an explosive charge in a detonation site, such as a borehole,and then positioning microorganisms around the explosive charge bydepositing microorganisms directly on the explosive charge and thedetonation site. Similarly, a solution of microorganisms can bedeposited at a detonation site. Then the explosive charge is placed inthe suspension of microorganisms. Additionally, an explosive apparatuscan be sprayed with or soaked in a suspension of microorganisms beforebeing installed at a given detonation site, preferably while beingexposed to a vacuum.

[0112] Experiments were conducted to study the process of remediatingexplosive materials according to the teachings of the present invention.To do so, a microorganism consortium was derived from soil and watersamples obtained on the property of an established explosivemanufacturer located at 8305 South Highway 6, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660U.S.A. The microorganism consortium in the form of a suspension wascombined with various types of explosive materials, either in solid formor in an aqueous suspension, and the results were observed anddocumented. The results of several of these tests are set forth below asexamples.

EXAMPLE 1

[0113] Quantities of the explosive materials TNT and PETN in water werecombined with the suspension of the microorganism consortium. Theresulting mixture initially included 47.23 ppm of PETN and 40.63 PPM ofTNT. The mixture was divided among containers that were stored inaerobic conditions at ambient temperature for various time periods.Table 1 below indicates the explosive analysis of these samples aftereach designated time interval. The explosive materials weresubstantially degraded after a period of five weeks. TABLE 1 AerobicBioremediation of TNT and PETN Explosive Initial Analysis After AnalysisAfter Material Analysis 3 Days 5 Weeks PETN 47.23 ppm 40.94 ppm 7.25 ppmTNT 40.63 ppm  5.32 ppm 0.62 ppm

EXAMPLE 2

[0114] The mixture prepared in Example 1 was stored in anaerobicconditions at ambient temperature and observed. The results weredetermined by HPLC analysis in ppm and averaged. Table 2 below setsforth the results obtained. As can be seen by comparing the results inTable 2 with the results in Table 1, the explosive materials testedremediated more rapidly under anaerobic conditions than under aerobicconditions. TABLE 2 Anaerobic Bioremediation of PETN and TNT ExplosiveInitial Analysis after Analysis after Analysis after Material Analysis 3Days 1 Week 5 Weeks PETN 47.23 ppm 28.31 ppm 24.46 ppm 0.82 ppm TNT40.63 ppm  0.31 ppm  0.31 ppm None avg. avg.

EXAMPLE 3

[0115] Discs of the explosive material Pentolite having a diameter of apencil were split in two. When the discs were split, each weighed about0.1 gram. The discs were placed either in water as a control or in 6 mlto 8 ml of a suspension of the microorganism consortium. After aspecific amount of time in aerobic conditions, the discs were dried andweighed or analyzed by HPLC. The liquid portions were analyzed by HPLC.The net remediated weight loss in the explosive material was determinedby subtracting the control weight loss as a percentage from the weightloss as a percentage in each remediated explosive. The explosive loss bydegradation is listed in Table 3 for each of the samples. The samples inB and C were tested for longer periods of time than the sample in A. Theresults of the testing of samples B and C show that significantbioremediation did not occur beyond the level achieved in sample A. Thiswas most likely due to insufficient quantities of nutrients in samples Band C as the bioremediation activity probably ceased when the nutrientswere consumed. TABLE 3 Aerobic Bioremediation of Pentolite Final dryweight plus weight of Sample Sample or Initial explosive in NetRemediated No. Test Time Weight liquid portion. Weight Loss A Control 22 days 0.1355 g 0.1266 g = 6.57% 6.97% Net loss Loss Test  22 days0.0981 g 0.0848 g = 13.54% loss B Control  88 days 0.0578 g 0.0557 g =3.63% 5.52% Net loss Explosive Test  88 days 0.0743 g 0.0675 g = 9.15%Loss loss C Control 173 days 0.1236 g 0.1236 g = no 6.78% Net lossExplosive Test 173 days 0.0737 g 0.0687 g = 6.78% Loss loss

EXAMPLE 4

[0116] Experiments were conducted to compare remediation rates underaerobic and anaerobic conditions. Separate 5 gram samples of PETN/TNTPentolite in a ratio of 60:40 were analyzed and placed in 100 ml to 300ml suspension of a microorganism consortium. One was subjected toaerobic conditions; the other was subjected to anaerobic conditions.After various periods of time, the samples were removed, air dried, andweighed to determine the amount of explosive material that had notdegraded. The weight of the remaining explosive material was subtractedfrom the original weight to determine the weight of the explosivematerial lost due to bioremediation. The results are listed in Table 4below. The results indicate that an insufficient amount ofmicroorganisms were utilized or that the amount of nutrient wasinsufficient, particularly in light of the results obtained in the otherexamples. TABLE 4 Aerobic and Anaerobic Bioremediation of PentolitePercent Percent Condition: Wt Loss at Wt Loss Aerobic or Original Timeat Time Anaerobic Weight Time listed Time Listed Aerobic  5.015 g 66days 3.21% 163 days 5.43% Anaerobic 6.9027 g — — 179 days 3.10%

EXAMPLE 5

[0117] Also investigated was the remediation according to the presentinvention of low levels of explosive materials in water. The explosivematerials RDX and PETN were mixed with the water, combined with asuspension of a microorganism consortium, and then stored. The sampleswere tested by HPLC for explosive content initially and after 2 weeks.As shown in Table 5 below, the bioremediation was nearly complete aftertwo weeks. TABLE 5 Bioremediation of Suspension of RDX and PETNExplosive Initial Analysis Material Analysis after 2 weeks RDX  6.6 ppmNot detected PETN 25.0 ppm Less than 0.5 ppm

EXAMPLE 6

[0118] The remediation according to the present invention of soilcontaminated with an explosive material was also investigated. Soilcontaminated with the explosive material PETN was mixed with asuspension of a microorganism consortium and stored at ambienttemperature. Samples were analyzed initially, after 44 days, and finallyafter 125 days. The PETN content in the soil dropped from 1659 ppm to551 ppm. The results are set forth in Table 6 below. TABLE 6Bioremediation of Soil Contaminated with PETN Analysis Analysis Initialafter after Analysis 44 Days 125 Days 1659.2 ppm 1193.2 ppm 551.8 ppm

EXAMPLE 7

[0119] In order to determine the effect of temperature on the growth ofmicroorganism samples, the natural high temperature tolerances of themicroorganism consortium were evaluated. The microorganism cultures wereadapted to higher temperatures by slowly raising the growth temperature.By raising the temperature, the upper and lower limits of growth wereboth shifted upwards.

[0120] Two separate microbial growth stages were evaluated: the logphase, wherein the microorganisms experience logarithmic growth, and thestationary phase, wherein the microorganisms reach maximum growth.Microorganism cultures that enter the stationary phase late in theirgrowth cycle induce the expression of genes which protect themicroorganisms from various environmental stresses.

[0121] Four separate microorganism cultures were established. Oneculture, referred to as “30° C./Log Phase Culture”, was comprised of newinocula, experiencing logarithmic growth, in fresh minimal medium, withTNT extract as the sole nitrogen source, and grown at 30° C. for threedays. A second culture, referred to as “30° C./Stationary PhaseCulture”, was comprised of microorganisms that had reached maximumgrowth, in minimal medium, with TNT extract as the sole nitrogen source,previously grown at room temperature for several weeks, and additionallygrown at 30° C. for three days. The third culture, referred to as “37°C./Log Phase Culture”, was comprised of new inocula, experiencinglogarithmic growth, in fresh minimal medium, with TNT extract as thesole nitrogen source, and grown at 37° C. for three days. The finalculture, referred to as “37° C./Stationary Phase Culture”, was comprisedof microorganisms that had reached maximum growth, in minimal medium,with TNT extract as the sole nitrogen source, previously grown at roomtemperature for several weeks, and additionally grown at 37° C. forthree days.

[0122] Samples of the four different microorganism cultures weresubjected to temperatures ranging from 30° C. to 97° C. for twentyminutes. A small sample of each heated culture and a non-heated controlculture were spread-plated on both nutrient agar plates, and minimalmedium with 10% glycerol plates. The plates were incubated overnight at30° C.

[0123] The microbial growth was evaluated according to the number ofcolony forming units of the plate or the visualization of distinctcolonies. The results of this evaluation are illustrated in Table 7,below. Microbial growth covering the entire plate with few, if any,single colonies was referred to as “total”. Microbial growth greaterthan 1000 clearly defined colonies per plate, or too numerous to count,was referred to as “>1000”. If the density of the sample was onlyslightly less than the density of the previous sample, an asterisk “*”appears after the notation. At the lower density levels, the colonieswere distinguishable as comprising at least bacteria, “B”, orfungus/filamentous bacteria, “F”. The number preceding “B” or “F”corresponds to the number of distinct colonies. TABLE 7 Temperaturetolerance of microorganism consortium. 30° C./ 37° C./ 37° C./ Temp. 30°C./Log Stationary Phase Log Phase Stationary ° C. Phase Culture CultureCulture Phase Culture Control Total >1000 Total >1000 30° C. Total >1000Total >1000 37° C. Total >1000 Total >1000 42° C. Total  >1000*Total >1000 47° C. Total*  >1000* Total* >1000 52° C. 130 B 180 F Total*7 F 57° C. 0 colonies 0 colonies 0 colonies 0 colonies 62° C. 0 colonies0 colonies 0 colonies 0 colonies 67° C. 0 colonies 0 colonies 2 colonies0 colonies Control Total >1000 Total >1000 72° C. 0 colonies 0 colonies0 colonies 0 colonies 77° C. 0 colonies 0 colonies 0 colonies 0 colonies82° C. 2 colonies 0 colonies 1 colony 0 colonies 87° C. 0 colonies 0colonies 0 colonies 0 colonies 92° C. 0 colonies 0 colonies 0 colonies 0colonies 97° C. 0 colonies 0 colonies 0 colonies 0 colonies ControlTotal >1000 Total >1000

[0124] The log phase cultures appeared predominantly to contain a singlecolony type of microorganism. The stationary phase cultures contained asingle microorganism colony type and an organism that appeared to be afungus or a filamentous bacterium.

[0125] None of the heated culture samples exhibited significant growthbeyond 57° C. The difference in the growth phase of the cultures, i.e.,log phase versus stationary phase, did not result in a significantdifference in growth. However, the 37° C./Log Phase Culture did appearto exhibit some growth advantage. Note that at 52°, the 37° C./Log PhaseCulture still had microbial growth covering the entire plate, whereasthe growth of the other samples had been reduced to countablequantities. In addition, the 37° C./Stationary Phase Culture and 37°C./Log Phase Culture samples exhibited a growth advantage over the 30°C./Stationary Phase Culture and 30° C./Log Phase Culture which iscommensurate with the differential initial growth temperature of thesesamples. That is, because microorganism cultures can be adapted tohigher temperatures within limits by slowly raising or lowering thegrowth temperature, by raising the temperature, the upper and lowerlimits of growth are both shifted upwards. Thus the 37° samples wereamenable to more substantial growth at higher temperatures than the 30°samples.

[0126] Along these lines, a new culture of the 37° C./Log Phase Culturewas established using minimal medium with TNT. A sample of this culturewas placed in a water bath wherein the temperature was raised 1° C.every two days. Significant growth was exhibited as high as 41° C.

EXAMPLE 8

[0127] In order to assess the survival characteristics of themicroorganism culture during cooling of the explosive charge, thefollowing simulated casting experiment was performed using the 37°C./Log Phase Culture. Small samples of this culture were placed in tubesin water baths at 95° C. and 80° C. These water baths were programmed todrop 1° C. every minute based on a reasonable approximation of the rateof cooling experienced by the charge. At five minute intervals, smallsamples were removed from the tubes in the water baths and plated onnutrient agar plates. These plates were incubated at 30° C. overnightand checked at 12 and 36 hours for microorganism colonies. After 36hours the growth on the plates was evaluated. A non-heated sample wasincluded as the control. The results of this study are illustrated inTable 8 below.

[0128] The results of this study indicate that the samples from the 80°C. water bath had a better survival rate than the samples from the 95°C. water bath. TABLE 8 Temperature tolerance of microorganism consortiumin simulated casting. Temperature Time 95° C. Bath 80° C. Bath Control 0 min Total Total 90° C.  5 min 0 colonies NA 85° C. 10 min 1 colony NA80° C. 15 min 0 colonies NA 75° C. 20 min/5 min  0 colonies 1 colony 70°C. 25 min/10 min 1 colony 2 colonies 65° C. 30 min/15 min 1 colony 1colony 60° C. 35 min/20 min 1 colony 3 colonies 55° C. 40 min/25 min 0colonies 1 colony 50° C. 45 min/30 min 0 colonies 4 colonies 45° C.NA/35 min NA 3 colonies 40° C. NA/40 min NA 1 colony 35° C. NA/45 min NA5 colonies

EXAMPLE 9

[0129] The purpose of the following evaluation was to demonstrate thatany growth on TNT was greater than that which might be expected from lowlevel contamination by nitrogen from other sources. In order to evaluatethe growth characteristics of the microorganism culture with respect tothe nitrogen supply, the following experiment was performed underaerobic conditions.

[0130] A sample of the 37° C./Log Phase Culture was placed in each ofthree fresh media formulations. The first contained mineral saltsdefined medium (MMO) and ammonia as the nitrogen source. The secondcontained MMO and TNT as the nitrogen source. The third contained onlyMMO and no added nitrogen. The cultures were then grown and shaken in anincubator at 37° C.

[0131] Growth was measured by evaluating the optical density of theculture. Samples removed from each culture were placed in aspectrophotometer and the optical density was measured at a wavelengthof 425 nanometers, a wavelength not normally absorbed by moleculesproduced by the microorganisms. The optical density of the culturesamples represents dispersion of the incident beam by the particulatemicroorganism. The higher the optical density value, the greater theamount of microbial growth. The optical density results are illustratedin Table 9, below. TABLE 9 Effect of Nitrogen upon growth ofmicroorganism consortium under aerobic conditions. Optical Density ofOptical Density of Optical Density Culture Absent Culture in of Culturewith Addition of Time Ammonia Medium TNT Nitrogen  0 hours 0.006 0.1660.005  20 hours 0.008 0.152 0.018  48 Hours 0.010 0.144 0.023 146 Hours1.520 0.432 0.073 Difference 1.514 0.266 0.068 Over NA 3.99  NABackground

[0132] The TNT and No Nitrogen cultures were significantly lessproductive than the ammonia supplemented cultures. Still the TNTsupplemented culture values were consistently higher than the NoNitrogen values. This indicates that the cultures were using TNT as thenitrogen source in the TNT supplemented culture.

EXAMPLE 10

[0133] Another study, similar to Example 9, above, was performed underanaerobic conditions. A sample of the 37° C./Log Phase Culture wasplaced in each of three fresh media formulations. The first containedmineral salts defined medium (MMO) and ammonia as the nitrogen source.The second contained MMO and TNT as the nitrogen source. The thirdcontained only MMO and no added nitrogen. The cultures were placed insealed serum bottles and the atmosphere was replaced with pure Nitrogen.Cultures were incubated without shaking in an incubator at 37° C. Theresults of this study are illustrated in Table 10, below. TABLE 10Effect of Nitrogen upon growth of microorganism consortium underanaerobic conditions. Optical Density of Optical Density of OpticalDensity Culture Absent Culture in Ammonia of Culture Additional TimeMedium with TNT Nitrogen  0 hours 0.008 0.204 0.005  20 hours 0.0120.218 0.009  48 Hours 0.017 0.268 0.007 146 Hours 0.482 0.272 0.019Difference 0.474 0.068 0.014 Over NA 4.88  NA background

[0134] Once again, the TNT and No Nitrogen cultures were significantlyless productive than the ammonia supplemented cultures. Still the TNTsupplemented culture values were consistently higher than the NoNitrogen values. This indicates that the cultures were using TNT as thenitrogen source in the TNT supplemented culture. Overall, the anaerobicconditions showed less growth than the aerobic cultures.

EXAMPLE 11

[0135] In order to evaluate the thermal resistance of the microorganismconsortium in a system which will adequately mimic those of a pentolitepour, fresh samples of a TNT grown consortium and a control absent TNTwere freeze dried and tested directly for temperature sensitivity. Thefreeze dried samples were placed into aluminum foil packets. Aluminumfoil was used because its heat transference properties ensured that thetemperature experienced by the freeze dried powder approximated thatproduced by the oven. The foil packets were placed in an oven at astarting temperature of either 100° C. or 80° C. The initial 100° C. and80° C. temperatures were maintained for 2 minutes. Each temperature wasthen incrementally decreased at the rate of 1° C. per minute to 35° C.The packets remained at 35° C. for 10 minutes and were then removed fromthe oven. The contents of the packets were placed in MMO with TNT andglycerol, and then placed in a shaking incubator at 37° C.

[0136] The negative controls were void of any color which indicatescomplete absence of nitrogen degradation. All other samples were invarious stages of TNT degradation as indicated by the color reduction inthe samples from colorless to light orange to deep red or violet. Thesamples that started at 80° C. exhibited more advanced TNT degradationthan those that started at 100° C.

[0137] These results were in accordance with the results of Example, 8,above. To reiterate, in that study, the samples from the 80° C. waterbath had a more optimal survival rate than the samples from the 95° C.water bath. Therefore, although the consortium did respond afterexperiencing temperatures as high as 100° C., a maximum of 80° C.represented the more optimal initial temperature.

[0138] The lyophilized microorganisms still produced significantbioremediation results even after being exposed to temperaturescorresponding to that of a hot melt of explosive material. Accordingly,it can be concluded that lyophilization of microorganisms dramaticallyimproves the thermal resistance of the microorganisms.

EXAMPLE 12

[0139] In order to further evaluate the thermal tolerance and protectionof the microorganism consortium, freeze drying was compared withmicroencapsulation. The microencapsulation procedure requiredmaintaining a substantial amount of fresh cell culture. The cells weredivided into 4 samples and resuspended in phosphate buffered saline(PBS); PBS and 3% dried milk; PBS and 3% bentonite clay; and minimalmedium with glycerol. Samples of the four suspensions were prepared byfreeze drying 2 ml portions. The remainder of the suspensions wasdivided into 2 samples for encapsulation into alginate andpolyacrylamide. Encapsulation into alginate was accomplished by addingsodium alginate to the suspension sample and then adding the mixturedropwise into a Calcium Chloride solution, with a molarity of 0.1.Encapsulation into polyacrylamide was accomplished by combining abiacrylamide mixture with a catalyst, such as a product sold as Temed,and beta-mercaptoethanol. As the mixture polymerized, the microorganismsuspension was trapped in a gel matrix. Half of each sample selected forencapsulation (alginate or polyacrylamide) was freeze dried and theother half was air dried.

[0140] All samples (freeze dried, encapsulated and freeze dried,encapsulated and air dried) were exposed to the temperature curve ofExample 8, above. The samples were then added to low temperature agarand overlaid on total nutrient agar. Outgrowth and survival of thesamples were evaluated. Additional portions of each sample were thenadded back to minimal medium with glycerol and TNT to assess thesurvival of the TNT-critical portions of the consortium.

[0141] The encapsulated samples did not result in a significantdifference in growth as compared with the freeze dried samples. Thusencapsulation did not offer any distinct advantage over freeze dryingwith respect to temperature tolerance and subsequent survivability ofthe microorganism consortium.

EXAMPLE 13

[0142] In order to evaluate the thermal resistance of the microorganismconsortium in a foam material package, samples of the consortium, in theform of a freeze-dried powder, were packaged into starch “peanuts.” Thepacking material was cored, filled with powder and a portion of the corereplaced. The starch structure was not altered at the temperaturestested.

[0143] The packets were placed in the oven at a temperature of 100° C.This temperature was maintained for two minutes and then the temperaturewas decreased at the rate of 1° C. per minute to 35° C. The packetsremained at 35° C. for ten minutes and were then removed from the oven.The contents of the packets were placed in MMO/glycerol/TNT and thenplaced in a shaking incubator at 37° C. Changes were noted based on thecolor changes noted in other TNT cultures. Optical densities were notfeasible because of the added turbidity from both starch and dried milkcomponents of the test systems.

[0144] All of the cultures contained in the starch peanuts exhibited adark reddish color of an advanced TNT culture.

EXAMPLE 14

[0145] This experiment was designed to incorporate into mass balanceexperiments information concerning the effect of nutrient additions tothe growth media. These experiments were run using saturated solutionsof TNT/PETN. Saturated solutions were prepared as follows:

[0146] 1. A TNT/PETN saturated solution was prepared by allowing minimalmedium (without glycerol) to sit with excess pentolite until TNT levelsdid not increase further.

[0147] 2. 100 ml aliquots were then decanted into growth flasks andglycerol was added. The medium to be tested was inoculated with the TNTconsortium and samples taken at regular intervals. The results of theseexperiments on saturated solutions are shown in the following table:TABLE 14 Saturated Growth (ppm per sample) Growth Regime TNT PETN ADNTControl 47.2 11.3 110.6 39.7 19.2 94.9 44.7 — 103.8 Glycerol 18.6 50.7121.7 20.3 49.9 119.0 19.7 48.1 120.5 MMO/TNT Only 160.0 12.2 51.1 161.019.5 — 171.0 14.2 51.4 Casamino Acids 0.00 14.9 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00

[0148] Because sterility was not a presupposed starting condition inthese trials, it was not surprising to see apparent activity in allconditions. There was observed a general trend in the area of carbonsources, however. It is apparent that some additional carbon sourcebeyond TNT or PETN improves performance of the bioremediating activityof the microorganism.

[0149] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrated and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by theforegoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within the scopeof those claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An explosive device capable of self-remediation,if the explosive device fails to detonate, said explosive devicecomprising: a. a shell configured to allow water from the exteriorthereof to enter the interior thereof; b. a quantity of explosivematerial housed within said shell; c. a quantity of microorganismscapable, when mobilized, of bioremediating explosive material in saidquantity thereof, said quantity of microorganisms being disposed in suchproximity to said quantity of explosive material that if said explosivedevice fails to detonate as intended, mobilized microorganisms in saidquantity thereof deactivate said explosive device by bioremediating saidquantity of explosive material housed within said shell; and d. anutrient disposed in such proximity to said quantity of explosivematerial that said nutrient provides nourishment to mobilizedmicroorganisms in said quantity thereof.
 2. An explosive device asrecited in claim 1, further comprising a carrier dispersed throughoutsaid quantity of explosive material.
 3. An explosive device as recitedin claim 2, wherein said carrier is comprised of said nutrient.
 4. Anexplosive device as recited in claim 1, wherein microorganisms in saidquantity thereof comprise a microorganism selected from the group ofmicroorganisms consisting of Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp.,Morganella spp., Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifyingmicroorganisms.
 5. An explosive device as recited in claim 1, whereinmicroorganisms in said quantity thereof comprise a microorganism inPseudomonas spp. selected from the group of microorganisms consisting ofaeruginosa, fluorescens, acidovorans, mendocina, and cepacia.
 6. Anexplosive device as recited in claim 1, wherein microorganisms in saidquantity thereof are among a plurality of types of microorganismsdisposed in said such proximity to said explosive material, saidplurality of types of microorganisms together defining a microorganismconsortium.
 7. An explosive device as recited in claim 1, wherein saidmicroorganism consortium corresponds to the microorganism consortiumidentified at the American Type Culture Collection by ATCC DesignationNo.
 55784. 8. An explosive device as recited in claim 1, wherein theexplosive material is selected from the group of explosive materialsconsisting of inorganic nitride explosives, organic nitroaromaticexplosives, organic nitramine explosives and organic nitric esterexplosives.
 9. An explosive device as recited in claim 1, wherein theexplosive material is selected from the group of explosive materialsconsisting of trinitrotoluene, hexanitrostilbene, hexanitroazobenzene,diaminotrinitrobenzene and triaminotrinitrobenzene, cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine, nitroguanidine,2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine, pentaerythritol tetranitrate,ammonium nitride, nitroglycerine and ethylene glycol dinitrate.
 10. Anexplosive device as recited in claim 1, wherein the microorganisms insaid quantity thereof are mobile.
 11. An explosive device as recited inclaim 1, wherein microorganisms in said quantity thereof are dehydrated.12. An explosive device as recited in claim 1, wherein microorganisms insaid quantity thereof are freeze dried.
 13. An explosive device asrecited in claim 1, wherein said nutrient comprises a nutrient selectedfrom the group of nutrients consisting of trace elements, carbon,nitrogen, and phosphate.
 14. An explosive device as recited in claim 1,wherein said nutrient comprises a casamino acid.
 15. An explosive deviceas recited in claim 1, further comprising a shell containing saidquantity of explosive material, said shell being enabling of water flowfrom the exterior of said shell into contact said quantity of explosivematerial.
 16. An explosive device capable of self-remediation, if theexplosive device fails to detonate, said explosive device comprising: a.a shell configured to allow water from the exterior thereof to enter theinterior thereof; b. a quantity of explosive material housed within saidshell; c. a nutrient intermixed throughout said quantity of explosivematerial; d. a quantity of microorganisms capable, when mobilized, ofreceiving nourishment from said nutrient and of bioremediating explosivematerial in said quantity thereof, said quantity of microorganisms beingso intermixed throughout said quantity of explosive material that ifsaid explosive device fails to detonate as intended, mobilizedmicroorganisms in said quantity thereof deactivate said explosive deviceby bioremediating said quantity of explosive material housed within saidshell.
 17. An explosive device as recited in claim 16, furthercomprising a carrier dispersed throughout said quantity of explosivematerial.
 18. An explosive device as recited in claim 17, wherein saidcarrier is comprised of said nutrient.
 19. An explosive device asrecited in claim 16, wherein said nutrient comprises a nutrient selectedfrom the group of nutrients consisting of trace elements, carbon,nitrogen, and phosphate.
 20. An explosive device as recited in claim 16,wherein said nutrient comprises a casamino acid.
 21. An explosive deviceas recited in claim 16, wherein microorganisms in said quantity thereofcomprise a microorganism selected from the group of microorganismsconsisting of Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia spp., Morganella spp.,Rhodococcus spp., Comamonas spp., and denitrifying microorganisms. 22.An explosive device as recited in claim 16, wherein microorganisms insaid quantity thereof comprise a microorganism in Pseudomonas spp.selected from the group of microorganisms consisting of aeruginosa,fluorescents, acidovorans, mendocina, and cepacia.
 23. An explosivedevice as recited in claim 16, wherein microorganisms in said quantitythereof are among a plurality of types of microorganisms intermixedthroughout said quantity of explosive material, said plurality of typesof microorganisms together defining a microorganism consortium.
 24. Anexplosive device as recited in claim 16, wherein said microorganismconsortium corresponds to the microorganism consortium identified at theAmerican Type Culture Collection by ATCC Designation No.
 55784. 25. Anexplosive device as recited in claim 16, wherein the explosive materialis selected from the group of explosive materials consisting ofinorganic nitride explosives, organic nitroaromatic explosives, organicnitramine explosives, and organic nitric ester explosives.
 26. Anexplosive device as recited in claim 16, wherein said explosive materialis selected from the group of explosive materials consisting oftrinitrotoluene, hexanitrostilbene, hexanitroazobenzene,diaminotrinitrobenzene, triaminotrinitrobenzene, cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine, nitroguanidine,2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine, pentaerythritol tetranitrate,ammonium nitride, nitroglycerine, and ethylene glycol dinitrate.
 27. Anexplosive device as recited in claim 16, wherein microorganisms in saidquantity thereof are mobile.
 28. An explosive device as recited in claim16, wherein microorganisms in said quantity thereof are dehydrated. 29.An explosive device as recited in claim 16, wherein microorganisms insaid quantity thereof are freeze dried.
 30. An explosive device asrecited in claim 16, further comprising a shell containing said quantityof explosive material, said shell being enabling of water flow from theexterior thereof into contact with said quantity of explosive material.31. An explosive device as recited in claim 30, wherein said shell iswater permeable.
 32. An explosive device as recited in claim 30, whereinsaid shell has an open end.
 33. An explosive device as recited in claim30, wherein a hole is formed in said shell communicating from saidexterior of said shell to the interior thereof.
 34. An explosive deviceas recited in claim 33, wherein said hole formed in said shell comprisesan access opening for detonation wires.
 35. An explosive device capableof self-remediation, if the explosive device fails to detonate, saidexplosive device comprising: a. an elongated shell having an exteriorand a hollow interior, said shell being configured to allow water fromsaid exterior thereof to enter said interior thereof; b. a quantity ofexplosive material housed within said shell; c. a plurality of carrierpellets intermixed throughout said quantity of explosive material; d. aquantity of microorganisms capable, when mobilized, of bioremediatingexplosive material in said quantity thereof, said quantity ofmicroorganisms being disposed within said plurality of carrier pellets;and e. a nutrient disposed within said plurality of carrier pellets andbeing capable of providing nourishment to microorganisms in saidquantity thereof.
 36. An explosive device as recited in claim 35,wherein: a. microorganisms in said quantity thereof comprise Pseudomonasspp.; b. the explosive material comprises pentaerythriol tetranitrite;c. said carrier pellets are comprised of foam cellulose; and d. saidnutrient comprises a casamino acid.
 37. An explosive device as recitedin claim 35, wherein said nutrient comprises a nutrient selected fromthe group of nutrients consisting of starch, flour, bran, milk, milksugar, and minimal medium glycerol.
 38. An explosive device as recitedin claim 35, wherein said nutrient comprises a starch.
 39. An explosivedevice as recited in claim 35, wherein said carrier pellets arecomprised of said nutrient.